Hyderabad is poised to become a major centre for the Indian film industry, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said on Wednesday, outlining the government’s vision to strengthen cinema infrastructure and promote socially meaningful films.

Speaking at a meeting with jury members of the Gaddar Film Awards at the Secretariat, the Deputy CM stated that the state government is preparing a comprehensive master plan to support the growth of the film industry while encouraging cinema that conveys strong social messages.

He noted that traditional film hubs such as Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai face space constraints, whereas Hyderabad offers significant room for expansion. The city, he said, has the potential to accommodate film industries from multiple languages and evolve into a nationally significant production hub.

The Deputy CM also highlighted the revival of the Gaddar Film Awards, describing it as an effort to recognise cinema that contributes to social awareness and cultural expression. Named after the iconic revolutionary poet and artist Gaddar, the awards aim to celebrate films that blend commercial success with meaningful storytelling.

Assuring transparency in the selection process, he said merit and talent would remain the sole criteria for choosing award winners. He appreciated the jury members for their role in identifying deserving candidates and emphasised that expert consultations were conducted while forming the panel through the Film Development Corporation.

The Deputy CM further stressed that government initiatives in the cultural sector must ultimately serve societal interests. He encouraged jury members to promote films that not only perform well at the box office but also deliver positive social messages and encourage constructive public engagement.

Telugu actor Ram Charan was mobbed by a large crowd of fans outside a hospital in Hyderabad during a recent visit, with videos of the incident quickly going viral on social media. The footage shows enthusiastic supporters surrounding the actor and his young daughter as they exited the premises, prompting concerns over crowd management and safety.

In the circulating clips, security personnel appear to struggle in maintaining a clear path amid the swelling crowd. The situation escalated briefly as fans attempted to get closer for photographs and videos, leading to online criticism over the lack of adequate arrangements.

The actor was reportedly visiting family members at the hospital when the incident occurred. While no injuries were reported, the episode has reignited conversations about celebrity safety and public responsibility during high-profile appearances.

Social media users expressed mixed reactions — some defended the fans’ enthusiasm, while others questioned the absence of stronger crowd control measures to ensure the safety of the actor and his child.

The incident highlights recurring challenges faced by public figures in managing spontaneous gatherings, particularly in urban centres where star presence often draws large crowds within minutes.

Varun Tej and Lavanya Tripathi were recently spotted at Hyderabad Airport with their newborn son Vaayuv, marking their first public appearance as parents following New Year celebrations. The couple, who welcomed their baby boy earlier this year, returned to the city after spending time with family, and their arrival instantly caught fan attention.

The star duo appeared relaxed and joyful, with many admirers appreciating the warmth and simplicity of the moment. Photos and short clips shared online quickly went viral, with fans flooding social media with congratulatory messages and affectionate wishes for the young family.

Varun Tej and Lavanya Tripathi, who tied the knot in November 2023, have been among Tollywood’s most loved celebrity couples. While both have continued to stay engaged with their professional commitments, they’ve also maintained a balanced private life, choosing to share only selective glimpses of their journey into parenthood.

With this heartwarming public appearance, the couple has once again captured the affection of fans across Telugu cinema circles.